RE: Backpack Question

[Jeff Mix]

Title:

Kent's suggestions are "right on"

 

The only thing I would add is that you'll want either an internal frame that has the ability to expand to 6,500 to 7,500 ci...or an external frame with extension bars to strap all this stuff on.  REI or Marmot will try and tell you that you don't need a pack bigger than about 3,500 ci...but if you're fishing you carry a lot of extra stuff.  If you get into mountaineering, like I have, then you'll also want the extra room for all the mountain gear you'll be carrying.

 

Jeff Mix

-----Original Message-----
From: Kent [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 6:37 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Backpack Question

Hi Sean,

I used to backpack a lot while in college years ago and even packed into some remote northern California mountain lakes with my old lightweight spin/fly Fenwick rod. The state of the art back then was a nylon Kelty on an aluminum frame to which one could strap all manner of stuff.

Fast forward 25 years. I was reintroduced to backpacking last summer as a means to the end of getting into lakes that were much less fished than their drive-to counterparts. In dusting off my old pack, I found that its buckles had rusted and that many of its straps and zippers were all but unusable. To top it off, I have no idea what ever became of the waist strap!

A mountaineering neighbor loaned me his ten-year old JanSport frame pack which I used for the first two expeditions. But its suspension system and nearly nonexistent back panels must have been designed by sadists, so I started shopping for other, newer alternatives.

Several manufacturers still make frame packs, but over the past several years, more expensive (and profitable) internal frame packs have become all the rage. Originally intended for mountain climbers, they have a single large compartment into which all gear is packed and the internal frame allows it to fit closer to your back.

I comparison shopped at REI, Marmot Mountain, Outdoor Emporium and Sports Authority. Internals started at around $175 and ran up to over $500. The few frame packs available were more modestly priced at from about $90 up to $250 or so. After trying on several dozen packs, many with dummy weights to simulate a real load, I ended up buying another frame pack, a Kelty West Coast.

I chose the frame pack for several reasons:

I tend to sweat profusely when provoked through exertion and the frame pack sat further away from my back than the internals, offering better ventilation.

The frame design is definitely easier to attach extra stuff like rod tubes or fins to. Just use a couple nylon straps, twine or even some duct tape and away you go.

The Kelty West Coast had an awesome suspension system that was easily adjustable to my particular body shape. It distributed the weight well between my shoulders and waist and allows me to easily change the weight balance without taking it off.

Finally, it was cheaper. I got it at REI for about $160.

So here's what I'd suggest:

Try on lots of packs.

Make sure you dummy load 'em up with 25 or 30 pounds to see how they feel with a load. REI and Marmot will let you do this, but the chain stores will just give you a blank look.

Ask for help in adjusting the pack to your own body size and shape. Better packs tend to offer a wider range of adjustments.

Make sure it'll hold all the gear you'll need.

For day trips, I take a deflated float tube, breathable waders, flats boots (NOT felts, they're too heavy), fins, PFD, extra clothes, rain gear, lunch, water bottle/filter, compass, maps, camera, patch kit, first aid stuff, plastic garbage bags to put wet tube and waders into, plus rod, reel and gear. I seem to always end up taking more than I use, but not by much. My pack has been weighing about 30 pounds or so.

My first couple trips I took along my 9-foot 3-weight two-piece in its tube. I lashed it to the pack but it kept snagging low branches so I ended up carrying it instead. I've since bought a five-piece 4-weight in a short tube that'll fit inside my pack.

I haven't done an overnighter with tubing gear yet, but I'd guess that tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, toiletries, flashlight, stove, pans and cooking/eating gear and food would add another 15 pounds or so. If you pack in with a buddy, you can share the weight of the tent, cooking gear and food. That's where having a pack that's big enough to stow or attach all that stuff really comes in handy.

Sorry for the term paper length. Hope this helps,

Kent

Since everyone is talking about hiking into lakes recently I figured I

would ask about what packs you use. I saw somewhere recently a pack that

had came with rod tubes and a dry storage area but have not been able to

find it. I am curious about what you guys use to pack in your rods,

float tubes, tent, etc. Basic frame packs or are there some specific

packs built for flyfishing out there.

Any suggestions are appreciated as usual.

-sean

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